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The Launch 2025

Documentary Pitch Contest

The Launch 2025

Overview

Application Form

Prize Packages

Guidelines and Terms

FAQs

The Launch 2025

Overview

Application Form

Prize Packages

Guidelines and Terms

FAQs

The Launch 2025

Overview

Application Form

Prize Packages

Guidelines and Terms

FAQs

The Launch 2025:
Documentary Pitch Contest

The Launch Documentary Pitch Contest

Got a bold short doc idea? Pitch it. Win it. Make it happen.

Three winning filmmakers will receive over $10,000 in cash and in-kind support — from production services to post — to bring their short documentary projects to life.

Do you have a compelling documentary idea ready to take flight? Here’s your chance to bring it to life! Five filmmakers will pitch their projects live at the 2025 Lunenburg Doc Fest, and the top three will walk away with the following prize packages:


• First place: $3,000 in cash plus in-kind filmmaking services
• Second place: $2,000 in cash plus in-kind filmmaking services
• Third place: $1,000 in cash plus in-kind filmmaking services


Finalists will also get exclusive access to pitch workshops and a full pass to the 12th Lunenburg Doc Fest. That means entry to the Dock Market industry market — the perfect place to meet peers, industry pros, and key decision-makers for one-on-one conversations.


Last year’s winner, Kate Solar, will premiere her finished film at this year’s live pitch event. And the 2025 first-place winner? They’ll get the exciting opportunity to screen their completed film at the 13th Lunenburg Doc Fest in 2026.


The Launch kicks off with two essential workshops — “Pitching 101” and “Pitch Consultations” — to help you polish your pitch before the live contest on Saturday, September 20th. The competition and screenings will take place at the historic Lunenburg Opera House.


Don’t worry if you’re not a professional media creator — if you have a passion for documentary storytelling and some experience or interest in making documentaries, we want to hear from you!


This initiative is proudly supported by the Canada Media Fund, CBC, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, and the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. Huge thanks to our in-kind supporters: Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative (AFCOOP), Centre for Art Tapes (CFAT), Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV, Star Power Atlantic, and 902 Post Inc.


We encourage all folks from Atlantic Canada who identify as underrepresented to participate. Accommodation assistance in Lunenburg may be available.


The deadline to apply is August 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM AT. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-August.


It is free to participate and apply for The Launch 2025. Visit this link to submit your application today!

meet our 2024 finalists

Andre anderson

Andre Anderson is an African Nova Scotian visionary director and alumnus of Neptune Theatre, Saint Mary’s University, and Nova Scotia Community College. With over 13 years of experience in the film and television industry, coupled with business studies since 2017, he brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to his work. Beyond storytelling, Andre is a transformational leader dedicated to making a difference in his community through his creativity. Andre's projects have earned him significant recognition – he has won the Halifax Innovation Challenge twice.

eunice abaga

Eunice Abaga is an accomplished professional with a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenya and graduate degrees in Adult Education and Public Administration from Canadian universities. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of King's College in Halifax. Despite facing chronic health challenges, Eunice has received multiple awards for her exceptional contributions and resilience. Her dedication makes her an valuable contributor to the world of film. She is interested in storytelling projects focusing on health, education, equity, climate change, and community development.

Kate solar

Andre Anderson

Kate Solar is a filmmaker based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax primarily working in documentary. Her work investigates the boundaries of memory, looking for what exists in the space between an experience and the photographic documentation of it. Kate holds a BFA in Film from NSCAD University. She was recently selected for the prestigious Independent Images Retreat in Mount Forest, Ontario, where she had the opportunity to pursue her interests in analog processes.

Andre Anderson is an African Nova Scotian visionary director, alumni of Neptune Theatre, Saint Mary’s University, and Nova Scotia Community College. With over 13 years of experience in the film and television industry, coupled with business studies since 2017, he brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to his work. Beyond storytelling, Andre is a transformational leader dedicated to making a difference in his community through his creativity. Andre's projects have earned him significant recognition – he has won the Halifax Innovation Challenge twice.

Kate solar

Kate Solar is a filmmaker based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax primarily working in documentary. Her work investigates the boundaries of memory, looking for what exists in the space between an experience and the photographic documentation of it. Kate holds a BFA in Film from NSCAD University. She was recently selected for the prestigious Independent Images Retreat in Mount Forest, Ontario, where she had the opportunity to pursue my interests in analog processes.

Madeline Toal

Madeline Toal is a Nova Scotian filmmaker who has written and directed numerous documentary and fiction films. She holds a BFA in film production from York University and a JD from the Schulich School of Law. In addition to writing and directing, she works as an editor primarily in the realm of documentary TV. Her films have screened throughout Canada and internationally, and she is currently in post-production on her two newest shorts.

Nate Gaffney

As a Wolastoqiyik, Nate Gaffney is deeply driven by his connection to his heritage and culture and believes filmmaking is his way to continue his ancestral tradition of storytelling. His documentaries MY NAME IS WOLASTOQ and INDIAN BRAVES spotlight Indigenous narratives, with the former earning a screening at the Atlantic Film Festival and both acquired by CBC. Nate's work for Indspire captured inspiring Indigenous success stories across Canada, showcasing resilience and achievement. Based in Wabanaki Territory, Nate co-founded Wabanaki Media and is currently directing a spectrum of film projects.

PARTICIPATING MENTORS

alison duke

Alison
duke

Alison Duke is an accomplished writer/producer/director with a two-decade track record in storytelling. Her first doc RAISING KANE: A RAPUMENTARY, gained acclaim at the Urbanworld Film Festival in NYC, winning the HBO award for best documentary and setting the stage for her career. She served as a segment producer for City TV, contributing to 40 x 30-minute shows annually. Alison's achievements include collaborating on projects with luminaries like Bruce McDonald; empowering the global HIV community through her films; co-founding the innovative production company OYA Media Group; winning two CSA’s for MR. JANE AND FINCH; directing the narrative short PROMISE ME; and co-creating the five-part docu-series BLACK COMMUNITY MIXTAPES for City TV. She recently wrapped a doc series on music industry injustices for Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures. Her upcoming Crave Original feature music doc, BAM BAM: THE SISTER NANCY STORY received its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. Always one to give back, Alison mentors up-and-coming creatives and has sustained her position as an industry leader.

omar majeed

omar
majeed

Omar Majeed is an award-winning Toronto-based filmmaker recognized for his documentary work, including DISCO'S REVENGE, TAQWACORE: THE BIRTH OF PUNK ISLAM, and THE FROG PRINCES.


His films explore the intersections of culture, race, identity, and social movements, particularly among marginalized people. 


Majeed has successfully pitched projects at prestigious festivals like Sheffield Doc Fest, Banff, and Hot Docs, showcasing his ability to engage international audiences. 


Omar has also edited many feature documentaries, scripted and unscripted series and has worked with some of Canada's most acclaimed filmmakers, including Yung Chang, Brett Story, Zarqa Nawaz and Fab Filippo. 


Omar's work has been celebrated across various film festivals, the prestigious Peabody awards and Canada's CSAs.  

Press Release 09/24/2024:
The Launch 2024 Winners Announced

VIEW PRESS RELEASE

Press Release 07/25/2024:
$10,000 Pitch Contest Returns for Underrepresented Nova Scotian Filmmakers at Lunenburg Doc Fest

VIEW PRESS RELEASE

andre anderson

Nate Gaffney is a Wolastoqiyik First Nations filmmaker and photographer from the East Coast of Canada. Nate began his career as a fashion photographer before falling in love with filmmaking. His desire to be a storyteller stems from a desire to preserve and explore his culture.

Nate's most recent documentary is called MY NAME IS WOLASTOQ, a film about identity and efforts to reclaim the original Indigenous name of the Wolastoq (Saint John) River. The film was selected to be screened at The Atlantic Film Festival (FIN). He has made documentaries for The Government of New Brunswick and Ulnooweg Education, among others. He currently resides in Fredericton, NB and works for Wabanaki Media, a company he co-founded with my business partner.

eunice abaga

Eunice Abaga is an accomplished professional with a background in education, public administration, health policy, and journalism. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenya and graduate degrees in Adult Education and Public Administration from Canadian universities. She has also recently graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of King's College in Halifax.

Eunice is actively involved in community organizations and volunteer work, serving on boards and contributing to digital storytelling projects. Despite facing chronic health challenges, Eunice has received multiple awards for her exceptional contributions and resilience. Her dedication makes her an valuable contributor to the world of film. She is interested in storytelling projects focusing on health, education, equity, climate change, and community development.

kate solar

Kate Solar is a filmmaker based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax primarily working in documentary. Her work investigates the boundaries of memory, looking for what exists in the space between an experience and the photographic documentation of it. Kate holds a BFA in Film from NSCAD University. She was recently selected for the prestigious Independent Images Retreat in Mount Forest, Ontario, where she had the opportunity to pursue my interests in analog processes.

madeline toal

Madeline Toal is a Nova Scotian filmmaker who has written and directed numerous documentary and fiction films. She holds a BFA in film production from York University and a JD from the Schulich School of Law. In addition to writing and directing, she works as an editor primarily in the realm of documentary TV. Her films have screened throughout Canada and internationally, and she is currently in post-production on her two newest shorts.

nate gaffney

As a Wolastoqiyik, Nate Gaffney is deeply driven by his connection to his heritage and culture and believes filmmaking is his way to continue his ancestral tradition of storytelling. His documentaries MY NAME IS WOLASTOQ and INDIAN BRAVES spotlight Indigenous narratives, with the former earning a screening at the Atlantic Film Festival and both acquired by CBC. Nate's work for Indspire captured inspiring Indigenous success stories across Canada, showcasing resilience and achievement. Based in Wabanaki Territory, Nate co-founded Wabanaki Media and is currently directing a spectrum of film projects.

Press Release 07/25/2024:
$10,000 Pitch Contest Returns for Underrepresented Nova Scotian Filmmakers at Lunenburg Doc Fest

VIEW PRESS RELEASE

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